<p>September is Suicide Prevention Awareness Month—a time to break the silence, reduce stigma, and offer support to those affected by mental health challenges. In this episode of <a href="https://com.ohio.gov/about-us/media-center/protecting-what-matters-podcast" target="_blank" rel="ugc noopener noreferrer">Protecting What Matters</a>, we shine a light on the undeserved risks faced by first responders in Ohio and across the nation.</p><p> </p><p>From firefighters and EMTs to law enforcement and dispatchers, these public safety professionals often carry invisible burdens.  <a href="https://firstrespondersbridge.org/" target="_blank" rel="ugc noopener noreferrer">First Responders’ Bridge</a> Founder, Executive Director Mick Yinger, join us to discuss the realities of mental health in the field, share stories of resilience, and highlight necessary resources available to help those who protect us every day. </p><p><br></p><p><br></p><p><br></p><p><br></p>